The Role and Impact of Culture
The Role and Impact of Culture
Pg .1 The international businessperson requires a kind of sensitivity for the
job . A large number of American business people travel around the globe training
business people in sensitivity training , ethics , management techniques human resources
and computers . However , what may work in an American training session may not work
abroad . In other words , what may be innocuous to one person may be repulsively
offensive to another . This is why training in sensitivity to cultural differences is so
important in most [banner_entry_middle]
businesses , today
Executives learn customs to not offend or they will break the deal in a matter
of minutes . Business executives learn there are thousands of seemingly minor differences
throughout the world that have different degrees of offense . In some cultures , laughter or
an uncomfortable smile , for example is deemed nothing , however in other business and
social gatherings it is awkward and offensive . This outcome is determined when one
party is unfamiliar with another ‘s cultural customs
The cultural mistakes can be found throughout the world . In Brazil , the
Peace Sign , where a person holds two fingers up with their palm facing inward or the
A okay sign is considered an insult and is similar to the American middle finger . In the
Muslim world , to show the sole of the shoe is an insult and is seen as dirty . In Bulgaria
shaking the head means the person is listening not they are disagreeing Many American
business people find this confusing because they think that the person is disagreeing with
what they are saying
Alcohol consumption at business meetings is different in other countries
as well . In America , drinking at a business meeting has a stigma of someone with low
The Role and Impact of Culture
Pg .2
standing if a person s a beer with their meals , however in Asian countries any kind
of liquor drink is shared at social business events . It is the group-oriented nature of the
Asian culture that deems drinking at business meetings as acceptable and of high social
standing . The gesture of filling one ‘s glass continuously is very acceptable and is
expected to be returned . It is recommended that American business travelers who
are light drinkers , should leave his or her glass full so nobody can refill it . In Hungary , to
refuse a glass of apricot brandy at business meetings is considered rude and
untrustworthy . The advice for business people is to be cautious here because the smaller
the drink the more potent it is
American business people should also be aware that punctuality means
different things in different countries . In Germany and Sweden , business people are
always on time to their appointments , whereas in Spain , Costa Rica , and Italy people are
tardy . American business people should be aware and be prepared for unexpected
lateness . It is also recommended to not fill one ‘s schedule with too many appointments
when they are abroad
The act of giving a gift at meetings is important in successfully conducting
business in… [banner_entry_footer]
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